NEWS: The NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook discusses Sengol as a symbol of righteous governance + transfer of authority in 1947.

ABOUT SENGOL

• Tamil sceptre associated with authority, justice + righteous rule.
• Nandi bull at the top → associated with justice.
• Linked with Tamil concept Semmai → righteousness/rectitude.

1947 INDEPENDENCE CEREMONY

• 14 August 1947 → Sengol was ceremonially presented to Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Rajagopalachari connected the ceremony with a Chola/Tamil tradition of transfer of authority.
• Government interpretation → symbol of transfer of power from British rule to India.
• Legal basis of independence → Indian Independence Act, 1947, not the Sengol.

CHOLA TRADITION

• Sengol → authority + ethical responsibility.
• Ruler expected to uphold justice, order + welfare.
• Linked with Rajadharma + Ram Rajya.

THIRUVAVADUTHURAI ADHEENAM

• Shaiva monastic institution in Tamil Nadu.
• Associated with preservation of Shaivite traditions + Tamil Shaiva literature.
• Head → Adheenakarthar.

NEW PARLIAMENT

• Sengol installed in the new Parliament building in May 2023.
• Placed near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair/podium.
• Symbolic message → authority with responsibility + justice + public welfare.